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Tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for Two-save 25% or more

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

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4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

The original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were first staged and which he co-owned, burned to the ground in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII'. Nearly 400 years later, it was rebuilt not far from its original site, using construction methods and materials as close to the originals as possible. Shakespeare’s Globe has been an unbridled success, underpinned in part by its educational programme (you can drop in for talks and readings) and its commitment to faithfully recreating an original ‘Shakespeare in performance’ experience - the season runs from April to October.

The open-air, free-standing Yard is the best bet for those after complete authenticity – the absence of seating may test your stamina but tickets are excellent value – while the Middle and Upper Galleries afford a (marginally more comfortable) atmosphere of their own. The only thing that tends to mar a performance is the theatre’s somewhat noisy, flight-path location.

In the UnderGlobe beneath the theatre is a fine exhibition on the history of the reconstruction, Bankside and its original theatres, and Shakespeare's London, including elegantly displayed costumes from early productions in the new theatre, filmed video interviews and touchscreen exhibits on Elizabethan special effects; visitors can also edit a page of 'Hamlet' to their own specifications and print the result. Guided tours of the Shakespeare's Globe theatre run throughout the year (taking in the archaeological site of the Rose nearby during matinée performances at the Globe), and seasonal festivals take place on the riverside area outside the Globe.

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Theatre

The Merchant of Venice

Dominic Dromgoole's final season as artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe opens with 'The Merchant of Venice', directed by Jonathan Munby following his successful production of 'Antony and Cleopatra' this summer. The bard's controversial play, about...

Romeo and Juliet

A new production of Shakespeare's love tragedy opens at the Globe Theatre before a small-scale tour on an Elizabethan-style stage. It's a stripped down production of the tale, which follows two doomed star-crossed lovers as they battle to allow their...

As You Like It

Rising star director Blanche McIntyre returns to Shakespeare's Globe in 2015 to direct the Bard's pastoral comedy 'As You Like It'. McIntyre directed a chaotic and joyfully funny 'Comedy of Errors' last year at the Globe, and 'As You Like It' covers similarly...

Measure for Measure

Exiting artistic director Dominic Dromgoole directs Shakespeare's Vienna-set play, which fits neatly into his final season's theme of 'Justice and Mercy'. When the city's duke goes on a diplomatic mission, he leaves the reins in the hands of judge Angelo,...

Richard II

Shakespeare's misguided monarch King Richard II returns to London in 2015 as part of Dominic Dromgoole's final season heading up Shakespeare's Globe. Simon Godwin directs 'Richard II, which follows the downfall of the fickle king in the final two years...

Richard III

National Theatre of China return to Shakespeare's Globe with 'Richard III' the Bard's dark tale of the hunchback king and his nasty climb to power. The production is performed in Mandarin with English subtitles.

The Heresy of Love

Shakespeare's Globe's more modern offerings begin in 2015 with 'The Heresy of Love', a piece by Helen Edmundson about the 17th century Mexican nun and playwright Juana Ines de la Cruz. First staged in 2012 at the RSC, the piece is revived as part of Dominic...

Much Ado About Nothing

Max Webster directs Shakespeare's brilliant love comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' about the fiesty Beatrice and Benedick who love each other but just won't admit it. A small cast return to Shakespeare's Globe in this production which also toured on an...

Macbeth

Catch this hybrid Hong Kong version of the Scottish play from Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio. Master director Tang Shu-wing promises a simple, minimalist staging with voice and movement at the heart of the piece. Performed in Cantonese with English scene...

The Oresteia

Aeschylus's trilogy of bloody (as in gruesome) Greek tragedies, where an estranged son must avenge his father's death at the hands of his mother, is staged as part of Dominic Dromgoole's final season at the theatre. Adele Thomas directs this modern distillation...

Went to England in 2000 for the first time just to see the Globe - what a fantastic experience! I have been back several times and sat through 3 plays one day last July. I recommend it to everyone who is in town for more than a day or two.